During a research project on the tundra, students selected important information about the biome which is shown below: The tundra is known for its low temperatures, low precipitation, and layer of permafrost. The growing season is about 50-60 days. Temperatures range from an average of -34oC in the winter to an average of 8oC in the summer.

Some organisms that live in the tundra are:

low shrubs lemmings

mosses hares

lichen foxes

grasses polar bears

grasshoppers

mosquitoes

Part A Explain the reasons for the short growing season and analyze how that affects plant reproduction.

Part B Describe a characteristic of the tundra not given above. Explain how it affects the organisms living there.

Part C Describe one possible adaptation of one of the animals listed that enables it to live in the tundra. Explain your answer.

Part D If a medical doctor visited the tundra and claimed it contained more animal species than any other biome, do you consider the doctor's claim accurate or not? Give reasons for your answer.